Importing(repatriating) a Canadian Built & Registered Mk4 into the USA

[EK1965]

Hi all, I am about to get serious about selling my recently completed Mk4 roadster and was considering opening up the audience south of the 49th. Despite FFR creating a Canadian pack kit, the process importing and registering was tedious. However, the roadmap provided by FFR and others on the forum really helped, so I thought it best to understand the regs and costs associated with selling back into the USA. So, has anyone recently imported a Canadian built and registered FFR into the states? I have just sent an enquiry to the US border agency but thought I would reach out to see if there was any practical advice.
Thanks,
Earl

[CNIdog]

Hi all, I am about to get serious about selling my recently completed Mk4 roadster and was considering opening up the audience south of the 49th. Despite FFR creating a Canadian pack kit, the process importing and registering was tedious. However, the roadmap provided by FFR and others on the forum really helped, so I thought it best to understand the regs and costs associated with selling back into the USA. So, has anyone recently imported a Canadian built and registered FFR into the states? I have just sent an enquiry to the US border agency but thought I would reach out to see if there was any practical advice.
Thanks,
Earl

Short answer, probably not possible to import a FFR from Canada but maybe someone has done it. https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/kit-car-policy

I looked into bringing my MK3 build to FL from Ontario. Before the tariffs, it was a impossible task as far as I could see for a finished car due to EPA/DOT compliance. Taking it apart and shipping in as parts was suggested and you would now have to verify country of origin for each part. Here's what I found so far and it's not encouraging.

"Importing a Canadian-built Factory Five (FFR) Roadster into the US involves strict EPA/DOT compliance, requiring forms (3520-1, HS-7), a bill of sale, proof of ownership, and potentially proving the kit meets US standards; it's complex, often requiring a customs broker, and may involve disassembling the car if not fully compliant or documented as a certified kit, with the safest route being importing as parts or ensuring FFR provides proper certification documentation up front to avoid being stopped at the border. "
"Key Steps & Considerations
Contact Factory Five (FFR) First: Before anything else, contact Factory Five Racing (FFR) to see if they provide the necessary compliance documentation (like EPA/DOT compliance letters NOT possible as FFR doesn't build finished vehices ) for their Canadian-built kits.
Determine if it's a "Kit" or "Completed Vehicle":
As a Kit (Parts): Importing the chassis and body as separate components (or disassembled) can bypass some vehicle regulations, but engine/transmission must often ship separately.
As a Completed Car: This is much harder. The car must meet US safety (DOT) and emission (EPA) standards, which often means it needs a manufacturer's compliance label in English.
Paperwork is Crucial:
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Bill of Lading, Bill of Sale, Proof of Ownership/Title.
EPA Form 3520-1: Declare emissions compliance.
DOT Form HS-7: Declare safety compliance (use box 1 for age exemption if 25+ years old, or other exemptions).
CBP Form 7501: Entry Summary processed at the port of entry.
Consider a Customs Broker: They are experts in navigating these complex rules and can file paperwork on your behalf, which is highly recommended.
Be Prepared for Challenges: If it's a completed FFR, you might be told it doesn't meet standards, forcing you to disassemble it at the border to import as parts, a costly and frustrating process. "

[Jeff Kleiner]

About 5 years or so ago I met a gentleman who was relocating from Canada back here to Indiana after he and his wife retired. He had built a FFR roadster and wanted to bring it with him. He explored all avenues (including bringing it across the border disassembled) and simply couldn’t make it work. In the end he sold the car in Canada and built a new Mk4 after making the move.

Jeff

[EK1965]

CNIdog, thanks for such a comprehensive answer, seems like you went to the wall when attempting to bring your car to the states. I was hoping that having a US certificate of origin would open the door but I guess once it gets registered its a car not a kit. Not much different than brining one up to Canada. Also, mine is registered as a 2022 so no antique cover to hide under.
Jeff, thanks as well....is there anything that you have not had experience with!!
Well, guess I'll limit the pool to Canada.
Earl

[narly1]

Hello fellow Earl,

Where are you located?

I am the admin for an Ontario-based FFR Facebook group if you would like to advertise it there.

Earl